I often get overwhelmed when my to-do list seems never-ending. At that point, I need to take a step back and ask myself if there is anything that can be eliminated or delayed. Usually overwhelm comes when there is a lack of focus and a lack of control.

When you run a business, your to-do list will always be too long. Sometimes we trick ourselves into thinking that once X happens, it’ll be different. For example, once you have more clients, you’ll be less stressed. But this isn’t the case. Once X happens, you’re likely going to be in a slightly different situation, but more or less the same mindset. That is the reality of running a business, there will always be problems to solve and new issues to address.

So before you get weighed down with all the things you should be doing in your business, consider what your number one priority will be in the next year. What is the top - and there can only be one - focus? How do you want your business to grow or improve next year? What is that one thing?

Below are some of the most common business focuses and articles that will help with that particular priority. But your goal is to select one single focus for next year. This will help you from becoming overwhelmed because you’ll know where you want to put your efforts and time. This is the number one priority and other stuff is less important.

General Planning Tools:

• Discovering the best planning tools for your business: Planning Tools for Interior Designers

• 5 Questions to Ask about your business next year to have the best year ever.

• Business Resolutions for Interior Designers - The things I want every business owner to do.

• 8 Things to Do Before the New Year - Critical things to check off before the calendar flips.

• Business Retreats - Need some time away to work ON your business - this is how you do it.

• Small, consistent actions can skyrocket your business - learn more about your 10 Daily Must-Dos.

Priority: Book More Clients

• Create a Marketing Plan to attract the clients that you want.

• 5 Ways to Book More Clients - You work on these 5 things and you’ll see great results.

• Create a Unique Value Proposition so you’re not always competing on price.

Priority: Grow Following

• Grow following on Instagram

• Grow following on Pinterest

• Grow your email list.

• Thinking of starting an interior design blog?

Priority: Finances

• Wondering if you should raise your rates? Probably. Here is how to charge more next year.

• Are you bankrolling your clients? This could be hurting your business.

• Start the year with a number of what you want to make. Then figure out how to get there.

• Wondering why your business isn’t profitable - maybe you’re guilty of these things.

• Working with a great accountant is critical to your business success - find a great one.

Priority: Boundaries

• Should you or shouldn’t you Accept Credit Card Payments?

• Interior Design Services Aren’t For Everyone - ‘nuff said.

• Taking on too many projects is not good for anyone - use a waitlist instead!

• Stop giving your clients endless options when one will do.

• Let your business policies be the backbone of your business.

• Should you or shouldn’t you use text messages in business?

Priority: Work Better with Clients

• Read this if you’re attracting clients who are always “shopping” you.

• Why you shouldn’t be apologizing.

• How you present yourself is critical to working with clients - are you setting the right tone?

• Have indecisive clients?- this is how you can turn that around.

• Here is how to not be a bother when you follow-up with interior design clients.

• Maybe it’s time to stop buying retail.

• In case you needed permission: Finding the Cheapest Price isn’t Your Job

• I don’t often say that you have to do something - but getting a budget from clients is something you must do.

Priority: If Your Business is Struggling

• Are you financially strapped?

• Do you know your business is a hobby - or worse, you think it’s a business, but maybe in reality, it’s just a hobby?

• Maybe you’re spending too much time focused on golden eggs and not the goose that produces them.

• Feeling like it’s feast and famine in your biz- here is how you ride the income wave.

• Give yourself a little assessment to see how you stack up with these 6 Qualities of A Successful Interior Design CEO.

Priority: Work Smarter, Not Harder

• The key to Work Smarter, Not Harder

• Create systems and processes to improve efficiency and streamline your day.

• Wanting to scale your business this year? Consider these tips.

• When you have project minimums you’ll be doing less work, but for bigger, better projects.

• Don’t read this unless you’re ready for a bit of a shock - How to Make Money as an Interior Designer.

Priority: Growth

• How to Keep New Business Coming - these tactics will help you continue to grow and expand your business.

• Get published this year!

• Get your money habits in line.

• Double-down on your specialty.

• Who to hire when you need help.

Priority: Starting a New Business

• What comes first, the chicken or the egg? Clients or portfolio photos? This is how you get photos when you are just starting your business.

• Start your business on the right foot and don’t fall victim to these (common) blunders that make your business look unprofessional.

• Make sure that your business name is a good one.

• 10 Steps to Starting an Interior Design Business.

• Working with to-the-trade sources is key for becoming a real design business - here is how to set up those accounts.

• Sales tax is confusing - hope this helps!

• Do not step foot inside a client’s home without this.

• Want to know how much it’ll cost to start your interior design business?

• Here is what to know before you start your business.